PastryParis by Susan Hochbaum

There's nothing like browsing old Paris pics to get in a certain frame of mind.

Especially when you're supposed to be drawing Place Vendome + gems + perfume bottles etc.

I've yet to ride a Bateau Mouche although I watched Audrey Hepburn ride with Cary Grant in Charade the other day.

Here's a bateaux that will make you want to dream.

Christophe Michalak's Tarte au Citron Meringuee by Susan Hochbaum,

from Susan Hochbaum's new PastryParis gift book.

Susan juxtaposes Paris' luscious pastries, often in onsite settings, in a whimsical way that reflects their design, colors, ingenuity.

Bear and myself have been tussling over who is going to get their paws on Susan's book.

Bear, being the true Parisian, won.

Visual wit abounds. Look at the sublime repetition of forms in the Laurent Duchene's minty mousse dome sitting on a layer of strawberry jam amidst raspberry coulis whilst facing the Pont Neuf.

Pierre Herme's macarons sit by the Saint-Sulpice fountain, just a stones throw from his shop on 72, rue Bonaparte. Clever of Herme to put his patisserie by a park full of benches for hungry shoppers.

'Bear stop hoarding PastryParis!'

You can meet Susan at WH Smith in Paris 20 October, 7 PM.

Be sure to RSVP.
There will be a pastry tasting and champers

I was gazing so intently at Susan's Napoleon/croissant hat, I had to run out of the house and find something to pop in my mouth. Now I know how you feel when visual temptation calls.

I'm lucky a shop nearby carries Balthazar almond croissants. This is what happens to the day-old croissant. They're filled with almond paste, smothered in toasted almonds and squashed down. They look a bit sat on...Still it taste darn good after drooling over Susan's pictures.

Susan's book will be out on October 11. Mark your calendars and have pastry on hand for heavens sake!

BONJOUR PastryParis!